Nausea Caused by Neck Tension, Headaches, and Back Pain: How Osteopathy Can Help
Nausea is a common symptom that many people experience at some point in their lives. While we typically associate nausea with digestive issues or being unwell, it can also be caused by musculoskeletal problems, particularly neck tension, headaches, and back pain.
These ailments can lead to nausea through the compression of nerves and disruption of the body’s nervous system. In this blog, we will explore the role of neck tension, suboccipital muscle tightness, cranial nerves, the vagus nerve, and the autonomic nervous system (PNS) in causing nausea.
Understanding the Link Between Musculoskeletal Concerns and Nausea
While nausea is often thought to be related to stomach issues, it can actually be a secondary symptom of musculoskeletal problems, particularly tension in the neck and back. When you have poor posture, muscle imbalances, or tension in the upper body, it can cause strain on the spine, particularly in the neck and upper back area. This strain can lead to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Additionally, nausea as a result of digestive tract concerns, can refer pain to the lower back.
Neck Tension and Nausea
One of the primary causes of nausea related to musculoskeletal issues is neck tension. The neck is home to several important structures, including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, all of which can be affected by poor posture, stress, or injury. Tension in the neck muscles, particularly the suboccipital muscles (located at the base of the skull), can compress nearby nerves and disrupt normal body function, potentially leading to nausea.
The Role of Suboccipital Muscle Tension
The suboccipital muscles are a group of small muscles located at the base of the skull, where the neck meets the head. These muscles play an important role in head and neck movement, but when they become tight or overstressed, they can compress nearby cranial nerves, including the vagus nerve. This compression can interfere with the normal function of the cranial nerves, leading to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
The suboccipital muscles are often the source of what is called cervicogenic headaches and dizziness, which is dizziness and nausea that originates from the neck. This condition is particularly common in individuals with poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, or repetitive neck strain, such as from working at a computer or using a phone for extended periods.
Headaches and Nausea
Tension headaches and migraines are both known to cause nausea. Headaches can trigger nausea through the gut-brain axis and/or causing a change in hormone and endocrine secretions. In some cases, headaches can be caused by dysfunctions in the upper cervical spine. The pain and discomfort associated with headaches can also trigger the body’s sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This can result in nausea as part of the body’s natural reaction to pain and stress.
Back Pain and Nausea
Chronic back pain, particularly in the upper back and thoracic region, can also contribute to nausea. When the muscles in the back are tense or strained, it can impact the mobility of the thoracic spine. Many nerves that exit the thoracic spine play an impotent role in our nervous system, if there is a musculoskeletal imbalance or dysfunction through the upper back this can impact our nervous system and in turn, lead to nausea.
The Vagus Nerve and Its Role in Nausea
The vagus nerve is one of the longest cranial nerves in the body, running from the brainstem down to the abdomen. It plays a critical role in the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for regulating bodily functions like digestion, heart rate, and relaxation. The vagus nerve also helps to regulate the sensation of nausea.
Vagus nerve compression and disruptions can occur as a result of musculoskeletal concerns- check out our blog post here to learn more about the vagus nerve.
The vagus nerve lays a role in the gut brain axis, transferring messages between the two structures, dysfunction of this nerve pathway can therefore lead to a change in gut symptoms, including nausea.
Compression of the vagus nerve can occur as a result of stress, poor posture, injury or trauma. This compression can result in symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and even fainting. Additionally, the vagus nerve is involved in gastric motility, meaning it helps regulate how the stomach processes food. When it is compromised by neck tension or spinal misalignment, it can cause digestive issues that may trigger nausea.
The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System (PNS) in Nausea
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary body functions, including digestion, heart rate, and respiratory function. It consists of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which controls the body’s "fight or flight" response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for "rest and digest" functions.
Chronic neck and back pain can interfere with the balance of the autonomic nervous system, particularly by activating the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), leading to stress and anxiety, which can contribute to nausea. Additionally, tension in the neck can impair the function of the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing the body’s ability to relax and recover, which can further exacerbate digestive and nausea symptoms.
How Osteopathy Can Help Relieve Nausea
Osteopathy is a wholistic approach that focuses on treating the body as a whole, with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths are trained to assess the entire body to identify areas of tension or misalignment that may be contributing to pain, headaches, and nausea.
How Osteopathic Treatment Works:
Relieving Muscle Tension: Osteopaths use a variety of techniques, including gentle manipulation, soft tissue massage, and mobilisations, to relieve muscle tension and improve function. By targeting areas of tightness in the suboccipital muscles, osteopaths can help reduce nerve compression and improve the function of the vagus nerve and cranial nerves. Osteopaths may work to improve your thoracic mobility, assist in activating your PNS to restore nervous system function, release your diaphragm or other visceral structures, improve posture, improve scrvical spine mobility, relieve headaches and much more.
Improving Posture and Alignment: Osteopathic treatment can help improve spinal alignment and posture, reducing strain on the neck and back. This can relieve pressure on the cranial nerves and autonomic nervous system, which in turn can reduce symptoms like nausea.
Promoting Relaxation: Osteopathic techniques also promote relaxation of the nervous system, helping to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This can aid in digestion, reduce stress, and alleviate nausea.
Addressing the Root Cause: Rather than just masking the symptoms, osteopathy works to address the root causes of neck tension, headaches, and back pain. By treating these underlying issues, osteopaths can help prevent nausea from recurring in the future.
Nausea can be an unpleasant and disruptive symptom, and when it’s caused by neck tension, headaches, or back pain, it can feel even more overwhelming. Understanding how musculoskeletal issues like tight neck muscles, poor posture, and spinal misalignment can contribute to nausea can help you take the first step toward relief. Osteopathy offers a safe and effective treatment option to address the underlying causes of tension and pain, providing long-term relief and helping you feel better.
If you're suffering from nausea Tugun Osteopathy can help. Our experienced osteopaths will work with you to identify the source of your discomfort and develop a personalised treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms.